A New Life in Italy

Hey there! In this episode of A New Life in Italy , I’m diving into one of the biggest challenges of relocating to Italy: figuring out the visa maze. If you’re not an Italian or European citizen, choosing the right visa is absolutely key for living here longer than 90 days. I know it can feel overwhelming with so many visa types, each with its own rules, so I’m breaking it down by focusing on the...

In this episode of "A New Life in Italy," I, Samantha Wilson, delve into a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of moving to Italy: the necessity of securing a rental property before applying for a visa. Many aspiring expatriates find themselves caught off guard by this requirement, which can complicate their plans and create confusion. I begin by outlining the types of long-term visas available in...

In this episode of A New Life in Italy , I’m thrilled to dive into the incredible world of Italian cuisine with Robert Campana, the founder of the popular Instagram channel Stop Italian Sounding. We explore why it’s so important to recognize authentic Italian food versus the many imitations you often see outside of Italy. Robert shares his journey as an Italian American and how living in Italy ins...

Welcome back to another episode of A New Life in Italy ! I'm your host, Samantha Wilson, and today we’re diving into a critical topic for anyone considering or currently in the process of applying for Italian citizenship. In this episode, we discuss a significant recent change from Italy's Ministry of the Interior that impacts how citizenship applications are handled, particularly for those affect...

In this episode of A New Life in Italy , Samantha Wilson breaks down the ins and outs of the Italian real estate market. If you've felt confused or frustrated with how long properties sit on the market or how different the process feels from what you're used to, this one’s for you! Samantha talks about the biggest challenges foreign buyers face—like the lack of a centralized MLS system that compli...

Welcome back to A New Life in Italy! Today, I’ve got a truly special guest and an incredible conversation lined up for you. If you’ve ever dreamed of moving to Italy, not just for the beautiful views and pasta, but to actually start a family and raise children here, then this episode is for you. I’m sitting down with none other than Georgette, the creator of the popular blog A Girl in Florence . G...

Hello, everyone, and welcome back to A New Life in Italy, where we dive into everything you need to know about life, travel, and the incredible journey of moving to Italy. I’m your host, and today we’re going to explore a topic that most people strive to accomplish, but often dont know exactly how—how to experience the authentic Italian lifestyle by traveling to smaller towns and lesser-known spot...

In this episode of "A New Life in Italy," I took you on a deep dive into the must-know steps and key considerations for anyone dreaming of making the big move to Italy. We started by getting crystal clear on the 'why' behind your move—because knowing your motivations is the first step to creating a life that truly lights you up. Then, we explored how to choose the perfect location that aligns with...

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Marianne, a Norwegian living in Oslo who, along with her husband, embarked on the adventure of buying and renovating a 600 square meter ancient palazzo in Sicily. Marianne shares her journey of purchasing the property in Palazzolo Accredi, a small town in Sicily, and transforming it into an Airbnb. Her story is one of passion, determination, and...

Hello everyone, Samantha Wilson here, your host of A New Life in Italy . In this episode, we delve into the heart of Italian culture by exploring Ferragosto, a significant holiday in Italy. Ferragosto, which dates back to ancient Rome, was established by Emperor Augustus in 18 BCE as a period of rest and celebration after the harvest. Over the centuries, it evolved, with the Catholic Church later...

Welcome back to another episode of A New Life in Italy . I'm your host, Samantha Wilson. Today, we delve into a topic that fascinates many: the health and longevity of Italians. Italy is celebrated for its healthy lifestyle, often attributed to the Mediterranean diet, a culture that values leisure, and strong family connections. However, there's more to it than just diet and exercise. In this epis...

Welcome back to another episode of A New Life in Italy ! I'm your host, Samantha Wilson, and today we dive into the fascinating world of Italian wine, a vital part of Italy's heritage. I share a bit about my own journey to Italy, where I initially planned to retire and explore every Italian wine. In this episode, I introduce you to Ashwin Mathia, a charismatic wine expert and the host of the Insta...

Today I’ll be filling you in on the enticing opportunities Italy is offering to foreigners and locals, including the NEW incentive for homebuyers in qualiying mountain towns in Tuscany. Get ready to uncover initiatives like one-euro homes, tax regimes, and town rejuvenation projects designed to make your Italian dream a reality.  Learn about the financial benefits and practical steps to take...

In this episode of A New Life in Italy , we dive deep into the evolving landscape of the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) in Italy. Since our last discussion on this topic, there have been significant updates and developments that are crucial for anyone considering this lifestyle. I share these important updates that impact: Specifics on qualifications New processes to prepare your application Tax Implica...

The forgotten way to save money on your move and life in Italy. In this episode of "A New Life in Italy," I dived into the crucial topic of budgeting and how currency fluctuations can make a major impact on your cash flow. Together with my special guest Rachel Canales from GC Partners , we explore how smart financial planning, particularly in handling the shift from your home currency to the euro,...

Welcome back to "A New Life in Italy," the podcast dedicated to helping you plan and make the move to Italy. I'm your host, Samantha Wilson. In today's episode, we tackled a topic that often confuses newcomers and those in the planning stages: the difference between Italian residency and the Permesso di Soggiorno (residence permit). Many expats and prospective movers use these terms interchangeabl...

In this episode of "A New Life in Italy," we delve into one of the most daunting aspects of moving to Italy for expats: obtaining an Italian driver's license. Learn the intricate process of converting your foreign driver's license to an Italian one, or starting from scratch if you're from a country like the US, Canada, or Australia. My special guest, Barbara, an American-Italian living in Rome, sh...

In this episode of A New Life in Italy , I take you on a journey to the stunning island of Sardinia, a place that holds a special place in my heart. Sardinia is not just a picturesque destination; it's a vibrant island rich in culture, beauty, and ancient traditions. My best friend, Patricia Braise, who is more like a sister to me, hails from Sardinia, and she joins us to share her deep love and i...

Ciao! Today we are going on a virtual tour across the regions of Italy, to help you find the perfect place to call home. Whether you're looking for busy hub in the north or a relaxed, sun-soaked lifestyle in the south, this episode will guide you through the key factors to consider and help you pick the best place for you. Key Points Discussed: Understanding Italy's Regions Italy is divided into 2...

In today's episode, we are going to start from the beginning, and talk about how you can plan your move to Italy. There are five stages of moving to Italy: Learning, Evaluating, Applying, Arriving, and Settling In. However, today we are going to focused on the first three critical stages. Learning Stage : This is all about dreaming and gathering information. Whether you've visited Italy once or ar...

Today we are diving deep into the new Italian Digital Nomad Visa. This visa is a game-changer for highly skilled professionals dreaming of blending work with the Italian way of life. Italy has rolled out this new visa specifically for digital nomads and remote workers, offering a unique opportunity to live and work in Italy. There are some key differences though, that you will need to be aware of...

In today's episode, we explored the exciting yet daunting prospect of moving to Italy with children. With the introduction of the new Digital Nomad Visa, the dream of immersing your family in a new culture has become more accessible, and Italy, with its rich history, culture, and family-centric lifestyle, presents a perfect backdrop for raising children. I talk about the practical aspects of reloc...

Welcome back to another episode of "A New Life in Italy." I'm your host, Samantha Wilson, and today we're taking a special journey to Venice. But we're not talking about the Venice you're used to seeing on social media or in travel brochures; we're exploring the authentic Venice, the one that locals call home. I'm thrilled to have my friend Monica Cesarato join us. She's a Venetian local, and a re...

Welcome back to A New Life in Italy. In today's episode, we tackled the often challenging task of finding a rental property in Italy, a crucial step for those planning to move here, whether for visa applications, citizenship, or residency due to marriage to an Italian or European. Renting in Italy is a common and socially accepted practice, offering flexibility and a lower cost compared to buying....

🔔 Important Update (as of May 24, 2025) 🔔 Please note that since Law 74/2025 went into effect on May 24, 2025, eligibility for the comune case (also known as the fast-track route) has been immediately affected. You can now only pursue the fast-track process if you have an Italy-born parent or grandparent who did not naturalize. If your Italy-born parent or grandparent did naturalize, your case w...